Slow motion works by recording at a higher frame rate than you play back. Shoot at 60 fps for mild slow motion, 120 fps for a clear slowdown, and higher for extreme effects. These are general guidelines, so check what your camera supports.
How the Math Works
If you record at 120 frames per second and play the clip back on a 24 or 30 fps timeline, the action runs four to five times slower. The more frames you capture per second, the slower and smoother the result.
| Shot at | Played at | Approximate speed |
|---|---|---|
| 60 fps | 30 fps | Half speed |
| 60 fps | 24 fps | About 40 percent speed |
| 120 fps | 24 fps | One fifth speed |
| 240 fps | 24 fps | One tenth speed |
Choosing a Frame Rate
- 60 fps: walking, gentle gestures, a smooth look in sport without strong slowdown.
- 120 fps: running, dance, pouring liquid, pets in motion.
- 240 fps and above: splashes, fast impacts, sudden bursts. Expect lower resolution and more noise.
Higher frame rates often reduce resolution or crop the image on many cameras, so test your own camera’s modes. Pick the lowest frame rate that gives the look you want, because it keeps quality higher and files smaller.
Step by Step Settings
- Choose a high frame rate mode, or a dedicated slow motion mode if your camera has one.
- Set a shutter speed near double the frame rate as a guideline. At 120 fps, try roughly 1/250. This keeps motion looking natural.
- Add light. High frame rates and fast shutter speeds need much more light, so shoot outside or add continuous lighting.
- Lock exposure and focus before the action begins.
- Use a tripod or stable support, since shake is amplified when slowed down.
- Record a bit longer than you think you need. A two-second action can become ten seconds.
Avoid Flicker and Other Problems
Artificial lights can flicker at high frame rates and cause banding. Shoot in daylight when possible, or try a shutter speed that matches your local mains frequency. If you see bands, change the shutter speed slightly.
In editing, place the clip on a timeline set to your normal frame rate, such as 24 or 30 fps, and let the software play every frame. If you apply speed changes to a clip shot at a normal rate, the software must invent frames, and the result is often softer.
FAQ
Can I make slow motion from normal footage?
Yes, with software that blends or creates frames, but real high frame rate footage is usually cleaner. Use it only for small slowdowns.
Why does my slow motion look dark or noisy?
Fast shutter speeds let in less light. Add light, open the aperture, or raise ISO modestly.
The Short Version
Record at a higher frame rate than your timeline, use about double the shutter speed, and give the scene plenty of light. Choose 60 fps for mild effects and 120 fps or more for dramatic ones.
